A New Hope vs The Force Awakens
Okay, this isn’t exactly Old vs New – The Force Awakens (2015) isn’t a remake of A New Hope (1977). It’s more of a rehash. There are similarities. Lots of similarities. Look at the basic premise: an unsuspecting nobody becomes ensnared in a galactic struggle and learns they have the biggest part to play. Which movie is that? Both, of course. Because of that, I’m going to compare the two as if The Force Awakens is a remake of A New Hope, given both stories incorporate the same key beats. Beat #1 The protagonist’s life is disrupted when they come in possession of a droid. People believe A New Hope…
Finding Connection
I had a discussion with somebody once about movies now compared to movies from my childhood (1970s–80s), and she said you tended to have a fondness – out of nostalgia – for things you grew up with. I thought about that, and while I agree that you do develop that emotional connection, the truth is there were a lot of great movies coming out when I was growing up. Here’s a small list off the top of my head (but which I’ve revised and put in chronological order): The Godfather (1972), The Exorcist (1973), The Godfather: Part II (1974), Jaws (1975), Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977),…